What's in the Water?
An OnQ Special Series

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Western Pennsylvanians enjoy their rivers, streams and lakes, but do we take our water for granted? Many parts of the world are plagued with polluted water, or have limited access to any water at all. That may sound like someone else's problem, but people in the Pittsburgh region are taking innovative steps to prevent future water problems and to correct existing ones.

To coincide with World Environment Day events and the Water Matters! Global Conference, WQED Multimedia's OnQ program is proud to present this four-day televised (and internet accessible) series. From local water challenges to successes, from water innovators to watchdogs, the entire OnQ staff worked to bring viewers these in-depth reports and interviews that remind everyone why "Water Matters" in Pittsburgh. The episode content is described below. The content will be available for On-Demand internet viewing after it is televised.

Monday, May 31, 2010 at 7:30pmWhy Water Matters - OnQ begins the What's In The Water? series with an overview on the importance of preserving our regions's waterways. Michael Bartley hosts a discussion forum with topics that include water sustainability, water solutions,accountability when it comes to keeping our water clean, and the economic impact on communities with or without good water systems.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 7:30pmWater Run-off: Solving the Problems - Thousands of gallons of untreated sewage can end up in our rivers every time it rains. ALCOSAN is now under federal mandate to fix the problem, but how? OnQ's Tonia Caruso takes viewers inside the plant and shows why storm water run-off causes problems in the Pittsburgh region. Find out what solutions are in the works and how you can share your input.

The Fish Study - OnQ's Michael Bartley goes back to the river with University of Pittsburgh researcher Dr. Dan Volz to get the latest results of the so-called "Fish Study." Are male fish being feminized by what ends up in the river? And how is it affecting humans? We'll also look at other serious contaminants affecting river quality and potentially our drinking water.

Three Rivers Waterkeeper - This non-profit organization serves as a voice for the waterways throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, addressing community concerns and monitoring and investigating potential threats to the region's waterways. OnQ rides along with the Three Rivers Waterkeeper to show how you can help protect and improve our region's water.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 7:30pmMarcellus Shale Drilling - It may be the answer to the needs of an energy-hungry nation, but it's a different story for people who live close to drilling sites - especially those who rely on well water to drink, bathe and water gardens. OnQ's Chris Moore talks with some of those property owners in this report which examines the promise and heartbreak of Marcellus Shale drilling.

Marcellus Shale Drilling Discussion - Chris Moore continues his coverage on Marcellus Shale drilling in this studio discussion which explores the benefits to an energy-hungry nation, the regulations and precautions taken by gas companies, and solutions for making sure water left behind after drilling is clean.

Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 7:30pmWingfield Pines - These 80 acres in Upper St. Clair and South Fayette have seen their share of human use and abuse. But Wingfield Pines is now home to abundant wildlife, trails, and most importantly a natural filtering system that is helping restore Chartiers Creek. OnQ shows how this Allegheny Land Trust project is transforming ugly orange mine discharge into pristine water, giving new life to a local water shed.

Nine Mile Run - This urban stream in Frick Park, in Pittsburgh's East End, is one of the finest examples of aquatic ecosystem restoration in the United States. OnQ reports on the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association initiatives that have been so successful.

Rain Gardens - They improve the look of your yard, but more importantly, they're good for the environment. Rain gardens collect and hold rain water runoff and allow it to slowly seep into the soil. This natural underground filtration helps prevent erosion, water pollution, flooding, and reduces the load on sewer systems. OnQ tours three rain gardens in the Pittsburgh area.

World Environment Day
This region's commitment to the environment is one of the reasons the United Nations appointed Pittsburgh as North America's Host City for World Environment Day. During the six weeks from Earth Day, April 22, 2010 to World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, the region will host numerous environmental events.

Water Matters! Global Conference
The marquee event leading up to WED is the June 3, 2010 Water Matters! Conference, part of the overall strategy to elevate stewardship of water in the Pittsburgh region, to address legacy and contemporary water challenges, and to catalyze the local water industry to address regional challenges and opportunities as well as provide sustainable water solutions to the world.

Audio on Demand

featured specials

WQED is pleased to partner with Highmark to bring you these special reports on "Men & Cancer" and "Women & Cancer." Every year cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. According to the American Cancer Society, getting the facts about cancer is an important step in taking care of your overall health.

Audio on Demand

featured specials

WQED is pleased to partner with Highmark to bring you these special reports on "Men & Cancer" and "Women & Cancer." Every year cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. According to the American Cancer Society, getting the facts about cancer is an important step in taking care of your overall health.

Local Programming

featured specials

WQED is pleased to partner with Highmark to bring you these special reports on "Men & Cancer" and "Women & Cancer." Every year cancer claims the lives of nearly 300,000 men in America. According to the American Cancer Society, getting the facts about cancer is an important step in taking care of your overall health.

documentaries

WQED first told her story in "Portraits for the Home Front." Now the legacy of Elizabeth Black continues in a new documentary.